What not to wear

128 suspended for violating school dress code.

128 suspended for violating school dress code.

August 27, 2006

HAMMOND (AP) -- Fed up with inappropriate outfits, the principal at a high school suspended 128 students on the first day of school as part of a crackdown on dress code violators. Wednesday's one-day suspensions came minutes after doors opened at northwestern Indiana's Morton High School and affected more than 10 percent of the 1,200 students. The offending attire -- including baggy pants, low-cut shirts, tank tops and graphic T-shirts -- are banned from classrooms. Students were also cited for cell phone use. "This was the worst year I've seen in a long time," said Principal Theresa Mayerik. "It's gotten out of control, and we needed to send a message that we're not messing around." The Hammond school usually has 20 dress code violations a day. Mayerik said the infraction would be removed from students' records in 12 weeks if they had no other in-school violations. That didn't stop parents from complaining about the punishments. "This takes their first day and makes it traumatic," said Bridget Lane, whose daughter was suspended for wearing a tank top and layered clothing. "I agree with putting some fear into the kids, but I think this was way too hard-nosed." School officials withdrew a proposal this summer that would have required students to wear uniforms. Instead, administrators sent notes to parents in July outlining the dress code and warning students to come to school with appropriate clothing. School board members said they support Mayerik and the mass suspensions. "I'd be supportive if half the school was sent home, because 99 percent will get the message our schools are for education," board president Rebecca Ward said. "They don't need to come in thinking they're posing for a fashion magazine."